Fieldcrest, Charisma agreements coming soon

NEW YORK — Negotiations for the Fieldcrest and Charisma brands have reached "a very late stage," with announcements expected in a few weeks, according to Earthbound, the brand marketing company handling the disposition of the labels.

Earthbound plans to house both brands where they can have a national presence, said Jeffrey Cohen, co-chairman. Charisma will be positioned at higher-end stores and Fieldcrest at "a broader range of retailers." As to the possibility that either could wind up as an exclusive brand, he said, "that's something we're definitely looking at."

Product should begin showing up at retail in spring 2005.

"In a relatively short period of time there will be a lot of news out there that will end all the speculation and prove these brands are coming back, and coming back in the right way," Cohen said.